Snake Plant

Sansevieria trifasciata

General

Sansevieria trifasciata, also known as snake plant is an evergreen perennial. This plant forms strands of its leaves in a circular cluster through it rhizome. It is known as the snake plant because of the “snake-like” shape of the leaves.

The leaves of the snake plant can grow from 28-35 inches long and 2-2.5 inches wide. At maturity the leaves are dark green with light grey banding. The plant spreads through its rhizome which can be above or below ground. The edge of the leaves produce small round seeds.

Snake plant blooms are very rare and usually only occur if that plant is stressed. When it does bloom, it produces shoots the length of the plant where white tubular flowers grow. These flowers usually last about a week and emit a strong scent. Pollinated by moths. Fruiting is also erratic but they produce a red-orange berry.

Its strong fibers used to be used to make bowstrings. But now it is mostly used as a houseplant because of its irregular watering patterning and it does not require a lot of light. Sap also used as an antiseptic in some areas.

Fun Fact

NASA did a study and found that this is the best indoor plant for improving air quality because it absorbs toxins. The plant only needs to be watered once every 15-20 days.